SINKING MICROFIBERS ON THE NEW ENGLAND CONTINENTAL SHELF BREAK

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

In June 2016, the water column abundance and vertical flux profile of microfibers was examined using Niskin bottle collection and a vertical array of surface-tethered sediment traps at the continental shelf break south of Rhode Island. Fibers were extracted and analyzed on a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer to determine the type of materials present. Sinking rates of the fibers were estimated through three independent approaches: theoretical, field-based, and lab-based. In general, the field-based approach indicated roughly 8x slower sinking speeds than those observed in the lab or predicted by theory.

Skeletal Muscle Induced, BDNF-Mediated Secretions Retrogradely Initiates Pro-Neuroplastic Signaling Cascade That Increases Cognitive Function in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Other

Autism is a neurological condition that impairs cognitive function(CF). Changes to the CNS and diminished neuro physiologic pathways could contribute to the pathology of autism and the decreased responsiveness of neuronal networking and neurotransmitter release. Growth factors are important in regulating neuronal function. This study investigates exercise as an effective therapy for improving CF in autism. We hypothesize that the contraction of skeletal muscle during moderate intensity exercise will upregulate BDNF into a cascade of cellular events that enhance neuroplasticity. The study will involve a 6-week exercise intervention with bio fluid analysis to measure BDNF and changes in CF.

Slackin' Hard, Hardly Slackin'

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

I have conducted a broad range of research examining the recreational sport of slacklining and its participants known as ‘slackers’ . Although the solo action of slacking is entirely individual, the activity as a whole couldn’t be farther from it. As this began as an insight into the slackers' personal intentions during participation, my research has expanded to encompass the inner workings of the Humboldt slack community as a whole, illuminating the bond members share with one another. Binding this community is a social adhesive comprised of shared linguistics, communication networks, hierarchical dynamics, artifact exchanges, community events, and ritual practices.

Slang and Uncertainty as Motivational Factors for Group Identification

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

People use verbal communication with other group members as unique social identity markers. As a result, when individuals recognize the informal language (slang) of their fellow group members, they should feel confident and included in their group. The current work focuses on the use of group specific slang, which is the identity-specific information derived from group membership, as a marker of social identity. Specifically, confidence in one’s ability to recognize ingroup specific slang should mediate the relationship between knowledge of the ingroup’s slang and feelings of inclusion in the group and similarity to ingroup peers.

Slow Violence at the Salton Sea

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

California's largest inland body of water, the Salton Sea, is suffering from decreasing water levels. Water transfers in Southern California are responsible for the current status of the Salton Sea. Addressing the responsibility of the State of California in restoration of the Salton Sea, inaction at the state level continues to perpetuate the slow violence of health issues in Imperial Valley. Analyzing the framing of the ecological devastation of the borderlands of Southern California, mainstream white environmentalism continue's to pervade the agenda to restore a shrinking sea.

Small Mammals vs. Understory Plant Diversity and Health at L.W. Schatz Farm

Puyao Zhang, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The experiment aims to gain insight into the ecology of small mammals and vegetation in an understory ecosystem.

Small Mammal’s Abundance in Relationship to Distance and Water Type

Mitchell Owen, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

I went out to see if rodent abundance was impacted by how far they were from a water source and if there was a difference between flowing and standing water. There were many studies on water's impacts on rodents in deserts but not in forests, so I went out to change that.

Small Town, Big Hearts: Peer Counseling in Rural Mendocino

College of Professional Studies

This Peer Counseling program was dedicated to creating a healthy community culture through mentoring younger students, youth advocacy, and peer education. Peer mentors received training in topics including communication, conflict resolution, cultural humility, and self esteem building. Throughout the program peer mentors met several times a month for seminars to process their experiences and receive additional training. Peer counselors also created presentations for middle school classrooms, volunteered at Healthy Start Family Resource Center events and were called upon by the wider community for participating in youth advocacy radio, drug free community focus groups, and more.

Snake River Basin Adjudication

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This poster will display the process and implications between the Nez Perce Tribe, state and federal government agencies in dealing with the settlement process of the Snake River Basin Adjudication (SRBA). The SRBA can serve as an opening to discussing the relationship between the Nez Perce with the state and federal governments, particularly the U.S. serving as a trustee for the tribe and is suppose to protect the Nez Perce tribal treaty-based fishing rights. We will discuss the basis for their claims is within the fact that in stream flow is necessary for the salmon survival. Based within the treaties with the U.S., the Nez Perce holds the exclusive right to fish within the streams.

Social Status and Gender: Burial Reflection in Viking Culture

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Burials excavated at the Birka, Sweden archaeological site, which was under Viking occupation from 750 to 950 CE, provides a cultural snapshot of gender and social status. Previous studies make inaccurate assumptions of gender based on types of tools found. In addition, there has been limited research linking osteological analyses with artifact analysis, which has also led to inaccurate assumptions regarding gender and social status. This work, which expanded and revised our understanding of gender expectations and social differences in Viking society from this time period, can be used to also further our knowledge of other societies.